Words about farmers markets, gardening, place, and whatever else seems relevant to my little life now being lived in the metropolis of Tokyo.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Market Review: Kitanaka Farmers Market in Yokohama

Colorful carrots from Eishi Yamane's organic farm in Fujisawa.

Kitanaka Marche just outside Bashamichi Station in Yokohama burst on the market scene in November, and if the first event is any indication this is going to be a whopper of a good market. An off-shoot of Tokyo's Taiyo (Sun) Marche, many of the vendors are from there, but it is worth noting that a preponderance of them come from nearby rural areas. The market offered a terrific selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, rice, jams, pickles, honey and maple syrup, and extraordinary baked goods.

Do-Re-Mi Farms and their beautiful edibles in jars.

Like Market of the Sun, Kitanaka Marche is about building community, according to market manager, Akiko Yamamoto. "With the redevelopment of this area underway, we wanted to find a way to draw new people here and interact with the locals," she said as I spotted the green leaves of a daikon bobbing merrily in the bag of happy shopper.

Shizuka Komiya and Midori Kabaya from Aloha Farms in Tochigi.

Tired shoppers can restore themselves at one of nearly twenty food trucks nestled at one end of the market offering a great selection of foods and beverages. Or head on over to Baird's Bashamichi Taproom for a lovely pint (I'm a fan of the Single Take Session.) and some of the best barbecue this side of the Pacific.

An amazing selection of honey from Beehive Apiary Murakami in Shizouka.